A MAN has been found guilty of murder after a violent attack outside a Midland pub.

A MAN has been found guilty of murder after a violent attack outside a Midland pub.

Stuart Brett Heath, aged 28, from Kidderminster, was convicted by a jury at Hereford Crown Court of killing Philip Green outside the Bird in Hand pub in Holly Road in Stourport.

Heath was handed a life sentence yesterday and Judge David Matthews recommended that he serve a minimum of 13 years.

The co-accused, Derek Gerald Jones, was found not guilty.

Phillip Green was violently attacked at The Bird In Hand pub in the early hours of June 16 last year.

He suffered several injuries during the attack, including a fractured skull.

Detective Sergeant Dave Harrison from West Mercia Constabulary said: "I would like to pay tribute to the dedicated team of officers and expert witnesses who worked on this inquiry and brought it to a successful conclusion.

"Our thoughts now lie with Mr Green's family and friends, who have been extremely patient and understanding throughout the investigation and the subsequent trial."

The family of Phillip Green welcomed the jury's decision and said they now wanted to get on with their lives.